Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Rise of the Kasai builds on the beat-’em-up foundation of The Mark of Kri while introducing a more fluid targeting system that lets you lock onto enemies from any angle. Combat feels more dynamic as you seamlessly switch targets with a flick of the right thumbstick, turning each skirmish into a carefully choreographed dance of strikes, parries, and finishing moves. Whether you’re flanking a lone warrior or surrounded by a dozen foes, the controls remain tight and responsive, keeping the action fast and engaging.

One of the game’s most compelling features is its roster of four playable heroes: Griz, Baumusu, Rau, and Tati. Each character brings a unique playstyle to the battlefield. Griz relies on powerful, close-quarters melee attacks, while Baumusu’s heavier frame excels at crowd control with sweeping strikes. In the latter half of the game you unlock Rau, whose dual-wielding prowess offers lightning-fast combos, and Tati, a nimble assassin whose stealth techniques and acrobatic flips add a new layer of strategy. Choosing the right hero for each stage becomes a crucial decision, blending raw skill with tactical planning.

The companion AI system also deserves praise. As you progress through each level, your chosen hero is accompanied by an AI partner who assists in combat and helps solve simple environmental puzzles. While partners occasionally make questionable decisions—like charging headlong into a mob of Kasai cultists—their support adds variety and encourages you to adapt your approach. You might have to draw fire to let your partner flank an enemy, or protect them as they work switches and levers. This blend of solo skill and cooperative tactics keeps the gameplay loop fresh from start to finish.

Graphics

Visually, Rise of the Kasai embraces a moody, tribal aesthetic that amplifies its mystical narrative. Levels are set in dense jungles, moonlit temples, and crumbling ruins, each rendered with detailed textures and atmospheric lighting. Shadows play across moss-covered walls, while flickering torches cast unpredictable silhouettes. The result is an immersive world that feels both ancient and ominously alive.

Character models are meticulously crafted, with ornate armor, etched tattoos, and fluid animations that bring each warrior to life. Combat animations are particularly impressive—when Griz lands a heavy blow, you can almost feel the thrust of his club. Combo finishers trigger dynamic camera angles that highlight the brutality or grace of each strike, turning every successful chain into a mini-spectacle. Enemy designs, from Kasai cultists to hulking stone golems, remain varied and menacing throughout.

The game also makes effective use of cinematic cutscenes to bridge gameplay segments. These story-driven interludes showcase expressive face rigs, dramatic score cues, and sweeping camera pans. Though occasionally more stylized than in-engine gameplay, they deepen immersion by underscoring character motivations and hinting at larger conflicts. Together, these technical and artistic flourishes create a cohesive visual package that’s memorable and engaging.

Story

Rise of the Kasai weaves a narrative tapestry across two distinct timelines, inviting players to uncover the events that shaped Rau’s destiny. The first act takes you ten years before The Mark of Kri, as you assume control of Griz and Baumusu in a desperate bid to protect the jungle realm from an encroaching cult. Their personal bond deepens with each mission, revealing layers of loyalty, honor, and sacrifice amid escalating chaos.

As the story unfolds, flashbacks and environmental clues hint at Rau’s looming fate. You’ll piece together the tragic battle in which Rau falls, setting the stage for his eventual return. In the second half, you finally step into Rau’s boots once more, alongside the enigmatic Tati, to explore how the Kasai threat evolves in the decade that follows the original game. This structure gives players a genuine feeling of cause and effect, emphasizing how past decisions ripple into a darker future.

While the central plot remains compelling, some supporting characters feel underdeveloped, and a handful of side missions lean toward repetitive fetch-and-deliver objectives. Nevertheless, the main storyline delivers enough emotional stakes and mythos—rooted in tribal magic and ancient prophecy—to drive you forward. By the finale, you’ll have gained a deeper understanding of Rau’s tragic arc and the true nature of the Kasai’s power.

Overall Experience

Rise of the Kasai succeeds in expanding on its predecessor’s strengths while introducing enough new mechanics to feel like a fresh experience. The targeting system, diverse character roster, and partner AI collectively transform each encounter into a tense, strategic showdown. Combat never overstays its welcome, with each level offering new enemy types and environmental hazards to keep you on your toes.

Graphically and aurally, the game excels at evoking a dark, primal atmosphere. From the swaying jungle vines to the echoing chants of Kasai zealots, every element reinforces the world’s mysticism. The story, despite a few pacing hiccups, delivers a satisfying blend of lore, tragedy, and heroism that fans of The Mark of Kri will appreciate. Newcomers, too, will find enough context in early cutscenes to dive right in without feeling lost.

Ultimately, Rise of the Kasai offers an action-packed adventure that caters to both beat-’em-up enthusiasts and story-driven explorers. Its few minor flaws are easily overshadowed by tight combat, stunning visuals, and an emotionally resonant narrative. For players seeking a challenge, multiple characters to master, and a richly crafted world, this sequel is well worth the journey.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10